Summary of the July 1 board of directors meeting
July 3, 2025
The board of directors heard from Visit Bend regarding its Economic Review, swore in board members, elected board member positions, approved Park Rules Ordinance No. 14 and Resolution No. 2025-12, and approved the Executive Director’s Evaluation. A video recording is available.
Visit Bend Economic Reports Review
The Board received a presentation on the Visit Bend Economic Report from representatives of Visit Bend and ECO Northwest. The presentation covered the use of Transient Room Tax (TRT) funds allocated to Visit Bend through a contract with the City of Bend. Key areas of focus included the organization’s emphasis on people, economy, and place, along with community concerns about over-tourism, the economic impact of tourism, and the implementation of a destination stewardship program. Long-term priorities were also discussed.
The report highlighted the goal of supporting a sustainable strategy to preserve and enhance quality of life and visitor experiences in the Bend region. Data shared included trends related to Deschutes County’s population growth, housing prices and production, and regional visitation patterns using PlacerAI data. Findings showed that while residents make up the majority of park and recreation users, during peak times, visitor use matches resident use—contributing to a sense of overcrowding.
The presentation also addressed the economic impact of major tourist attractions, including the Bend White Water Park. The park’s total estimated financial output is $26.5 million, with an estimated value benefit of $35.8 million.
Second Reading and Approval of Park Rules Ordinance No. 14
The board approved a second reading of proposed Ordinance No. 14. The reading was done by title only, and the ordinance was presented for a vote. Staff and legal counsel were available to answer questions.
Approve Resolution No. 2025-12 – SE Bend Regional Park Site Restrictive Covenant
The Rose property update was presented to the board for a vote. The property includes two tax lots, with a County-approved zone change to RR10 for one lot to support future development. Central Oregon LandWatch raised concerns about the implications of the new zoning. To address these concerns and avoid potential appeals, the district proposed a 20-year restrictive covenant ensuring no residential development on the site.
Swearing in of newly elected board members
Directors Schneider, Hovekamp, and Schoen were sworn in as they began their new terms.
Election of Board Chair and Vice-Chair, appointment of Board Secretary and Budget Officer, and approval of board meeting dates and time. The Board rotates leadership on an annual basis. For the 2025–26 fiscal year, the Board elected Donna Owens as Chair and Cary Schneider as Vice Chair. The Board also recognized and thanked Jodie Schiffman for her leadership during the past year. In addition, the Executive Director was reappointed to serve as Executive Secretary, and the Administrative Services Director was reappointed as Budget Officer. The Board approved continuing the existing meeting schedule with no changes.
Executive Director’s Evaluation
The board reviewed the Executive Director’s performance based on key objectives and annual goals. A self-review was completed by the executive director and each board member conducted an individual evaluation. A 3% performance merit increase was recommended, and board members shared comments and congratulations on a successful first year.
Employee Recognition
The board of directors recognized the Recreation Director for his 36 years of service and upcoming retirement. The Executive Director and board members shared personal reflections and expressed their appreciation for his contributions to the district.
The next board meeting is July 15.
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